President, PM laud swimmer Bhakti for new world record

President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi Thursday congratulated open water swimming champion Bhakti Sharma for setting a world record by swimming 1.4 miles (2.25 km) in 1 degree Celsius temperature in the Antarctic Ocean in 52 minutes.

In his message, the president said: "I am delighted to know that you have set a world record, becoming the world's youngest and the first Asian girl to achieve this feat."

"Your success is a matter of great pride for all Indians, especially our youth. The whole country joins your family and you in celebrating this impressive achievement.

"I extend my congratulations and wish you continued success in all future endeavours," he said.

Modi too congratulated Bhakti Sharma.

"We are all very very proud of Bhakti Sharma for her accomplishments! My best wishes to her," Modi said in a statement.

Bhakti Sharma Tuesday became the first Indian woman to achieve this feat, beating the previous record by British open water swimming champion Lewis Pugh and American swimmer Lynne Cox, according to information received here.

She is the youngest and the first Asian girl to have achieved this feat and has now conquered all the five oceans of the world.